Geelong tested its fitness on the big Subiaco ground and in hot conditions, playing a strong running game from the opening bounce, led by George Horlin-Smith and Mitch Duncan.

The Cats looked at their best when James Podsiadly was leading from the square and, in the early stages of the contest, goals came a lot easier to the Cats than the Eagles. And in true Geelong fashion and despite it being a round-one NAB Cup clash, the Cats continued to fight, even when they looked beaten, to snatch a victory.

NEW CATS: Josh Caddy

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The high-profile Cats recruit took little time to create his first highlight in Geelong colours. The Gold Coast recruit kicked his first goal in less than a minute. It has not taken him long to work out that the place to be when the ball goes forward is front and centre of a leading Podsiadly.

Jared Rivers

Who wouldn't want to move to a defence that has Harry Taylor, Corey Enright and Travis Varcoe supporting you? The former Melbourne player looks to have settled quickly and complimented the aforementioned well, with several strong marks and clearing kicks.

WHO'S NUMBER 42?

The winning play came courtesy of some quick thinking from Geelong's No. 42. A closer look revealed Jimmy Bartel, whose regular No. 3 jumper didn't quite fit when he was suiting up.

OUCH!

After collecting seven touches, Mathew Stokes was carried from the ground five minutes into the second term with an ankle injury.

Eagles test depth

AFTER playing in the NAB Cup final last season, the Eagles went in to the clash missing a lot of experience. But with such players as Nic Naitanui, Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Scott Selwood and Matt Rosa watching from the sidelines, the Eagles showed they have midfield depth to call upon this season.

They got a run on midway through the second half, highlighted by a nine-pointer from Bradd Dalziell that would normally have sealed the result - against most other opposition.

JUMPING JACK

Jack Darling was the Eagles' main target in attack. He looked crisp, marked strongly, used the ball well with both hand and foot and kicked three goals.

WELCOME BACK

Mark LeCras returned for his first game since injuring his knee in February last season and while he had little impact, the Eagles would be satisfied. He had fans on their feet midway through the first half when his first touch (under pressure) resulted in a Darling goal.

SCOTT SOME TALENT

With Naitanui and Cox watching from the sidelines, the 203-centimetre Scott Lycett made the most of his opportunity.

He started strongly in the ruck against Trent West, giving the Eagles midfielders first use of the ball. He also worked well around the ground and had some handy support from Callum Sinclair.

CLASSIC CAT MAGIC

The Cats know how to win games and it took some magic from Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel to claim an unlikely win after the Eagles had led by 21 points midway through the second half. Bartel took a mark inside 50 at the 22-minute mark and, with his side needing a nine pointer to win, he handballed backwards to Selwood who slammed home the killer blow with just 24 seconds remaining.